Scoliosis, L4-5 nerve compression/pain, leg numbness. Please help me!

Posted by cookie07 @cookie07, 5 days ago

I have had scoliosis all my life and have had bulging disks and pain. Have always had sciatica but last year it did not go away and left leg was numb. MRI revealed L4-5 and S1 bulging disks and many other problems. The problem has gotten worse. Can't stand for more than 20 minutes and can't walk without pain. Life is pretty much over! It has taken me forever to see 2 doctors (neurosurgeons). Started PT which made the situation worse and that is when the numbness started. One neurosurgeon said that he would not do any repair of the L4-5 and suggested reconstructing the spine due to the scoliosis. I have no other pain in my spine except for L4-5. I am at total loss and can not find a doctor that deals with degenerative scoliosis that will listen to me and attempt to work with me. Can anyone recommend a spine doctor, neurosurgeon in Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, or states that boarder those states...New York, New Jersey. I would love to get an appointment with a Mayo Clinic doctor...closest would be Florida. It seems it takes forever to see a doctor. My injury occurred in May 2024 and it took me until 7-8 months to see a doctor. I am at loss and feel very hopeless in life. I retired after 37 years as a social worker on May 1, 2024 and this issue began May 6, 2024. This is no life at all! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for listening.

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You definitely should see a spine specialist somewhere. I know I loved my neo-surgeon!! I'd not be walking without him fixing my back! Major surgery though. 2 times in different spots. I've had L3 though the rest of the lower spine rebuilt! Good luck!! I

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@taylor05

You definitely should see a spine specialist somewhere. I know I loved my neo-surgeon!! I'd not be walking without him fixing my back! Major surgery though. 2 times in different spots. I've had L3 though the rest of the lower spine rebuilt! Good luck!! I

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Thanks so much taylor05. Not sure what lies ahead but many people have had surgery and done well like yourself. That is inspiring!! I have seen 2 neurosurgeons and neither were helpful. They gave cookie cutter approaches to the problem and then discharged me. So I keep searching! Thanks again.

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@cookie07

Thanks so much taylor05. Not sure what lies ahead but many people have had surgery and done well like yourself. That is inspiring!! I have seen 2 neurosurgeons and neither were helpful. They gave cookie cutter approaches to the problem and then discharged me. So I keep searching! Thanks again.

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Oh that's terrible!! Yes keep looking! Not sure where you are, but John
Hopkins is a really good place to find exceptional drs!!

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